The inscription on the large 13th-century stone slab on display at York Minster does not bode well: “Qui ceci dit svp er caput rogeri de Ripvn.” Or, as it translates: “Which fell on the head of Roger of Ripon.” “We don’t quite know who Roger of Ripon was,” said Jennie England, research coordinator at the cathedral. “But he survived, and a miraculous incident was reported in the 1280s when a stone ...
The inscription on the large 13th-century stone slab on display at York Minster does not bode well: “Qui ceci dit svp er caput rogeri de Ripvn.” Or, as it translates: “Which fell on the head of Roger of Ripon.” “We don’t quite know who Roger of Ripon was,” said Jennie England, research coordinator at the cathedral. “But he survived, and a miraculous incident was reported in the 1280s when a stone fell on someone’s head.” The slab, found in a York drain in the 19th century, has gone on display at a new exhibition marking the 800th anniversary of Saint William – a forgotten, once adored martyr said to be responsible for that miracle and others. At the centre of the exhibition is a cutting-edge, digital recreation of an imposing shrine to William that once stood in York Minster’s nave but was broken up and buried to protect it from the ravages of Henry VIII’s reformation. View image in fullscreen At the centre of the exhibition is a digital recreation of a shrine to William that once stood in York Minster’s nave. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA “The shrine is absolutely stunning,” said England. It reflects, she added, the high regard William was once held in. He is the patron saint of York but is “largely forgotten”. William Fitzherbert was archbishop of York twice, from 1141 to 1147 when Cistercian monks thought him unsuitable and, after the deaths of enemies, from 1153 to 1154. He was clearly a popular figure and such was the joy when he returned to York from Rome in 1154 that large crowds gathered to greet him. So many people were on the wooden bridge over the river Ouse that it collapsed. William, it is said, called on God and no one drowned. That is considered William’s first miracle, but his triumph was short lived, and he died after becoming violently ill while celebrating mass. His death remains suspicious to this day. The Ouse Bridge miracle and others after his death – including curing a woman who inadvertently swallowed a frog – led to William’s canonisation by ...
The topic of integrating better artificial intelligence features into the iPhone may be a big question asked by analysts during the earnings call late Thursday. But some analysts expect Apple not to say much about the plans for the Apple-Gemini partnership announced earlier this month.
The topic of integrating better artificial intelligence features into the iPhone may be a big question asked by analysts during the earnings call late Thursday. But some analysts expect Apple not to say much about the plans for the Apple-Gemini partnership announced earlier this month.
asbe/iStock via Getty Images By Carsten Brzeski , Global Head of Macro Last May, ECB President Christine Lagarde delivered a motivational speech aiming to unleash pro-European sentiment and support for deeper integration, calling for a ‘global euro moment’. With the recent weakening of the US dollar - and the corresponding strengthening of the euro - next week’s ECB meeting could be more interesti...
asbe/iStock via Getty Images By Carsten Brzeski , Global Head of Macro Last May, ECB President Christine Lagarde delivered a motivational speech aiming to unleash pro-European sentiment and support for deeper integration, calling for a ‘global euro moment’. With the recent weakening of the US dollar - and the corresponding strengthening of the euro - next week’s ECB meeting could be more interesting than imagined just a few days ago. ECB still sits comfortably in its 'good place' When it comes to the basics of monetary policy, given everything currently going on in the world, the ECB has almost become a beacon of continuity - some might even say boredom. The ECB simply calls it a ‘good place’, i.e., a eurozone economy that looks set to grow at around potential and an inflation rate settling around target. Data releases since the December meeting have only confirmed that view. What's not to like? Well, maybe the high level of uncertainty in both geopolitics and economic outcomes. Up until now, there has been a clear disconnect between geopolitics and macroeconomics. No one knows whether this disconnect will hold or whether one side of the equation will eventually move. Geopolitical risks could slow down, or the economy could eventually still weaken. However, as long as these geopolitical risks and uncertainties do not translate into substantial changes to the eurozone outlook, the ECB will watch but not act. Stronger euro could revive debate on possible rate cut In recent days, however, market developments have started to make the ECB’s 'good place' a little less comfortable. The weakening of the US dollar and hence the strengthening of the euro have led to some unease at the Bank. Austrian central bank governor Martin Kocher said that "if the euro appreciates further and further, at some stage this might create, of course, a certain necessity to react in terms of monetary policy. But not because of the exchange rate itself, but because the exchange rate translates i...
Gigabyte has partnered with AMD to accelerate AI Gaming across various products, including laptops, motherboards, and displays. Gigabyte Is Bringing AI To Its Vast Range of PC Gaming Products With The Help of AMD, Include Motherboards, Laptops & Displays Press Release: GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, deepens its strategic partnership with AMD to accelerate on-device AI across three k...
Gigabyte has partnered with AMD to accelerate AI Gaming across various products, including laptops, motherboards, and displays. Gigabyte Is Bringing AI To Its Vast Range of PC Gaming Products With The Help of AMD, Include Motherboards, Laptops & Displays Press Release: GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, deepens its strategic partnership with AMD to accelerate on-device AI across three key product lines, including AI gaming laptops, X870E X3D series motherboards, and high-refresh OLED gaming monitors. Powered by AMD platforms and built with GIGABYTE’s advanced technology, this collaboration delivers fast, smooth performance for gaming and creation, as well as steady stability for PC builds. For AI gaming laptops, AORUS MASTER 16 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor with AMD 3D V-Cache technology, an advanced cache design that helps keep frame rates steady in fast-paced games while accelerating demanding creator workloads. GIGABYTE AERO X16 (Copilot+ PC) runs on AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors, leveraging the built-in NPU to handle select AI tasks efficiently on-device for everyday AI experiences. To help AMD’s performance shine in real sessions, GIGABYTE elevates the experience with WINDFORCE Infinity EX cooling technology on AORUS MASTER 16—rated for 230W max total thermal power—and GiMATE, GIGABYTE’S exclusive AI agent that streamlines power, performance, and AI features into clear, workflow-friendly controls, so users get strong and steady performance with less manual tuning. On desktops, GIGABYTE X870E X3D Series motherboards are designed to unleash the performance of AMD Ryzen 9000 Series Processors with AMD 3D V-Cache Technology, where platform tuning can directly influence gaming stability and responsiveness. Built on AMD X3D foundation, GIGABYTE adds its exclusive AI-powered X3D Turbo Mode 2.0, a true hardware–software fusion optimized specifically for AMD 3D V-Cache Technology behavior, along with a robust power design, refined BIOS...
Gold fell the most since October, reversing earlier gains that took the precious metal to a fresh record above $5,500 an ounce, as the US dollar strengthened. A rebound in the greenback helped drive down bullion by as much as 5.7% in the biggest intraday drop since Oct. 21, before paring some of the losses. Silver dropped as much as 8.4%. A gauge of the dollar rose as much as 0.3%, reversing earli...
Gold fell the most since October, reversing earlier gains that took the precious metal to a fresh record above $5,500 an ounce, as the US dollar strengthened. A rebound in the greenback helped drive down bullion by as much as 5.7% in the biggest intraday drop since Oct. 21, before paring some of the losses. Silver dropped as much as 8.4%. A gauge of the dollar rose as much as 0.3%, reversing earlier declines. Gold has advanced sharply this year with heightened geopolitical tensions and worries about the independence the Federal Reserve, which have supported the debasement trade. The precious metal had climbed more than 20% just this month, with some technical indicators pointing to a near-term price correction. “Given the frothiness in the markets and the dominance of flows over fundamentals, it does not need much for a correction,” said Julius Baer Group Ltd.’s Carsten Menke. Gold’s relative strength index spiked above 90 and silver’s was around 84. Readings above 70 typically signal the metal has been bought so heavily it could be due for a pause or pullback. Declines in the equities market also sparked a liquidation in other assets, including precious and industrial metals, according to Phil Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures. Spot gold fell 2.6% to $ 5,276.46 an ounce as of 11:25 a.m. in New York. Spot silver fell 3.6% to $ 112.44 an ounce.
US regulators are scrutinizing how dozens of small, foreign-based companies became targets of chatroom stock promoters. Bloomberg's Weihua Li explains. (Source: Bloomberg)
US regulators are scrutinizing how dozens of small, foreign-based companies became targets of chatroom stock promoters. Bloomberg's Weihua Li explains. (Source: Bloomberg)
Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET Call participants Chairman and Chief Executive Officer — Jim Cracchiolo Chief Financial Officer — Walter Berman Head of Investor Relations — Stephanie Rabe Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected] Takeaways Adjusted operating revenue -- $4.9 billion, up 10%, driven by strong organic client flows and favo...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET Call participants Chairman and Chief Executive Officer — Jim Cracchiolo Chief Financial Officer — Walter Berman Head of Investor Relations — Stephanie Rabe Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected] Takeaways Adjusted operating revenue -- $4.9 billion, up 10%, driven by strong organic client flows and favorable markets. -- $4.9 billion, up 10%, driven by strong organic client flows and favorable markets. Adjusted operating earnings -- Over $1.0 billion, increasing 10% year over year. -- Over $1.0 billion, increasing 10% year over year. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) -- $10.83, up 16% from the prior year. -- $10.83, up 16% from the prior year. Return on equity (ROE) -- 53.2%, an increase of over 100 basis points, establishing a new company high. -- 53.2%, an increase of over 100 basis points, establishing a new company high. Firm-wide operating margin -- 27% reported for the quarter. -- 27% reported for the quarter. Total assets under management, administration, and advisement -- $1.7 trillion, up 11%, and a new record high. -- $1.7 trillion, up 11%, and a new record high. Total client assets in Advice & Wealth Management -- $1.2 trillion, up 13% year over year. -- $1.2 trillion, up 13% year over year. Total client inflows (Advice & Wealth Management) -- $13.3 billion, representing an 18% year-over-year increase and a 4.7% annualized flow rate. -- $13.3 billion, representing an 18% year-over-year increase and a 4.7% annualized flow rate. Wrap assets -- $670 billion, up 17% with $12.1 billion of net inflows, a 7.4% annualized flow rate. -- $670 billion, up 17% with $12.1 billion of net inflows, a 7.4% annualized flow rate. Advisor productivity -- Rose 8% to $1.1 million per advisor in the quarter. -- Rose 8% to $1.1 million per advisor in the quarter. Experienced advisor recruiting -- 91 advisors added; advisor count is up 1% compared to the prior year. -- 91 advisors added...
Earnings Call Insights: First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) Q4 2025 Management View Archie Brown, President and CEO, stated he is "very pleased with our record earnings performance for the quarter. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.80, leading to an adjusted return on assets of 1.52% and an adjusted return on tangible common equity of 20.3%. The net interest margin, which declined slightly from the ...
Earnings Call Insights: First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) Q4 2025 Management View Archie Brown, President and CEO, stated he is "very pleased with our record earnings performance for the quarter. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.80, leading to an adjusted return on assets of 1.52% and an adjusted return on tangible common equity of 20.3%. The net interest margin, which declined slightly from the third quarter, has proven resilient as reduction in funding costs negated most of the impact of short-term rate reductions by the Federal Reserve." Brown also highlighted that loan growth was 4% on an annualized basis, and average deposits increased by approximately 7% annualized, excluding the Westfield acquisition. He emphasized the robust noninterest income and strong performance in wealth management and foreign exchange. Brown further noted, "Asset quality was relatively stable for the quarter and provision expense was in line with our expectations at $10.1 million." Jamie Anderson, Executive VP, CFO & COO, commented, "The fourth quarter was another outstanding quarter, highlighted by record earnings, a strong net interest margin, organic growth in both loans and deposits and the acquisition of Westfield Bank." Outlook Brown stated, "Excluding the impact from Bank Financial, we expect payoff pressure to ease in the coming quarter, resulting in a low single-digit organic loan growth on an annualized basis during the first quarter. And for the full year, as originations ramp up, we expect loan growth to be in the 6% to 8% range." "We expect core deposit balances to decline modestly in the near term due to seasonal outflows of public funds. Our net interest margin remains among the highest in the peer group, and we expect it to be in a range of between 3.94% and 3.99% over the next quarter, assuming a 25 basis point rate cut in March." First quarter credit costs are expected to "approximate fourth quarter levels and ACL coverage to remain stable as a percentage of loans." ...
Earnings Call Insights: Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX) Q4 2025 Management View CEO Steven Bandrowczak reported that revenue for the quarter was $2.03 billion, reflecting a 26% increase driven by the Lexmark and ITsavvy acquisitions, but noted that on a pro forma basis, revenue declined 9%. Adjusted operating income margin was 5%, and free cash flow reached $184 million. He emphasized ongoing mac...
Earnings Call Insights: Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX) Q4 2025 Management View CEO Steven Bandrowczak reported that revenue for the quarter was $2.03 billion, reflecting a 26% increase driven by the Lexmark and ITsavvy acquisitions, but noted that on a pro forma basis, revenue declined 9%. Adjusted operating income margin was 5%, and free cash flow reached $184 million. He emphasized ongoing macroeconomic headwinds, particularly tariffs and government funding uncertainty, but stated, "we are cautiously optimistic that the business trends are starting to improve." Bandrowczak highlighted that the pipeline entering 2026 is stronger than the previous year, with improved cancellation and renewal rates. He pointed to a recent spike in DRAM prices impacting costs, especially in the IT Solutions business, and outlined mitigation steps including adopting consumption models and extended maintenance for clients keeping older hardware. Bandrowczak detailed the integration of Lexmark and ITsavvy, stating, "the breadth of our business continues to grow, supported by a very strong quarter in the velocity channel. Bookings, billings and backlog all increased and pro forma profits improved meaningfully once again, aided by the synergies generated throughout the year." The launch of an AI center of excellence and several internal AI-powered offerings were credited with streamlining processes, improving customer experience, and strengthening financial performance. Bandrowczak cited the introduction of AI-powered service agents, saying these have "resulted in higher success rate, reduced waiting times and improved customer experience, all at lower cost per interaction." The company announced a global rollout of Lexmark-produced A3 devices in 2026, following positive channel reaction in Eastern Europe, and a global joint win with Morrisons in the UK. A new partnership was established with RJ Young to expand Xerox's portfolio reach in the US. Bandrowczak introduced Chuck Butler as the...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET CALL PARTICIPANTS Chairman & Chief Executive Officer — Frank Sorrentino Chief Financial Officer — William Burns Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected] TAKEAWAYS Total Assets -- $14 billion at year-end, reflecting the company’s completed merger and expanded market presence. -- $14 billion at year-end, ...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET CALL PARTICIPANTS Chairman & Chief Executive Officer — Frank Sorrentino Chief Financial Officer — William Burns Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected] TAKEAWAYS Total Assets -- $14 billion at year-end, reflecting the company’s completed merger and expanded market presence. -- $14 billion at year-end, reflecting the company’s completed merger and expanded market presence. Market Capitalization -- Exceeded $1.4 billion at close of the fiscal year, driven by franchise expansion and performance momentum. -- Exceeded $1.4 billion at close of the fiscal year, driven by franchise expansion and performance momentum. Client Deposits -- Increased approximately 5% annualized, supported by strong relationship inflows and growth in brokered deposits. -- Increased approximately 5% annualized, supported by strong relationship inflows and growth in brokered deposits. Brokered Deposits -- Declined from 12% to 6% of total assets, demonstrating a shift toward core deposit funding. -- Declined from 12% to 6% of total assets, demonstrating a shift toward core deposit funding. Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits -- Rose from 17% to over 21% of total deposits since the recent acquisition, improving deposit composition. -- Rose from 17% to over 21% of total deposits since the recent acquisition, improving deposit composition. Loan Portfolio Growth -- Advanced 5% annualized due to strong originations, partly offset by elevated payoffs from borrower refinancing. -- Advanced 5% annualized due to strong originations, partly offset by elevated payoffs from borrower refinancing. Operating Earnings -- Increased 18.6% sequentially from the previous quarter. -- Increased 18.6% sequentially from the previous quarter. Operating Return on Assets -- Achieved 1.24% for the quarter. -- Achieved 1.24% for the quarter. Operating Return on Tangible Common Equity -- Reported at 14.3% for the period. -- Reported ...
In this adapted excerpt from The Crown’s Silence, which examines the royal family’s links with slavery from Elizabeth I to the present, Ottobah Cugoano directly appeals to the monarchy – but is met with silence One autumn day in 1786, an unexpected parcel arrived at Carlton House, the London residence of George, Prince of Wales. The sender was Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, a free Black man living in Lon...
In this adapted excerpt from The Crown’s Silence, which examines the royal family’s links with slavery from Elizabeth I to the present, Ottobah Cugoano directly appeals to the monarchy – but is met with silence One autumn day in 1786, an unexpected parcel arrived at Carlton House, the London residence of George, Prince of Wales. The sender was Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, a free Black man living in London, one of roughly 4,000 people of African descent in the city at the time. Inside the package were pamphlets describing the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and the brutal treatment of enslaved people in Britain’s Caribbean colonies. The accompanying letter, signed “John Stuart,” Cugoano’s alias, urged the heir to the British throne to read the “little tracts” enclosed and to “consider the case of the poor Africans who are most barbarously captured and unlawfully carried away from their own country”. Africans, Cugoano warned, were treated “in a more unjust and inhuman manner than ever known among any of the barbarous nations in the world”. Continue reading...
Tulane Public Relations/Wikimedia Commons (Tulane Public Relations/Wikimedia Commons) After its earnings announcements, Jim Cramer, America’s ancient stockpicker and TV star, said Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock was the only one of the Magnificent 7 he did not own. He added that earnings were hardly important. If they were, “the stock would be in the gutter because the electric vehicle business is...
Tulane Public Relations/Wikimedia Commons (Tulane Public Relations/Wikimedia Commons) After its earnings announcements, Jim Cramer, America’s ancient stockpicker and TV star, said Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock was the only one of the Magnificent 7 he did not own. He added that earnings were hardly important. If they were, “the stock would be in the gutter because the electric vehicle business is in such bad shape.” Then, Cramer added, “Tesla trades on Elon Musk’s storytelling.” Cramer won’t own the stock, but won’t trash the storytelling, at least not aggressively. Cramer believes that some investors have faith in Musk and can wait to hear more stories. 24/7 Wall St. Key Points Jim Cramer says Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) earnings don’t matter because the stock trades on “Elon Musk’s storytelling.” Faithful Tesla investors will wait to hear more stories about AI and robots. Investors rethink ‘hands off’ investing and decide to start making real money Tesla’s most shocking comment is that it will kill half its model line (excluding the failed Cybertruck). On the chopping block are the Model X and Model S, luxury models that do not sell well. The Model 3 and Model Y, both much less expensive, make up almost all of Tesla’s sales. Tesla will invest $2 billion in xAI, the social media and artificial intelligence company Musk controls. It would seem to be a conflict of interest, but there has been no outcry. Musk’s SpaceX has already put money into xAI. Tesla wants access to xAI to help it build robots and a true self-driving car. A broad license of xAI software might have done just as well and would not have taken the $2 billion off Tesla’s balance sheet. Of course, Tesla mentioned that its 2025 revenue dropped 3% to $98.4 billion. The company also said it would open its wallet and take out $20 billion for capital spending. That is about double what it was last year. The money, and part of the production facilities for the Model S and Model X, will boost Tesla’s investmen...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET Call participants President and Chief Executive Officer — Daryl Kenningham Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer — Daniel McHenry Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services & Public Affairs — Pete DeLongchamps Takeaways Record annual gross profit -- Surpassed $3.6 billion, with parts and service...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET Call participants President and Chief Executive Officer — Daryl Kenningham Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer — Daniel McHenry Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services & Public Affairs — Pete DeLongchamps Takeaways Record annual gross profit -- Surpassed $3.6 billion, with parts and service contributing nearly $1.6 billion. -- Surpassed $3.6 billion, with parts and service contributing nearly $1.6 billion. Annual vehicle sales -- Sold 459,000 new and used vehicles, achieving a new record. -- Sold 459,000 new and used vehicles, achieving a new record. Annual revenue -- Generated $5.6 billion in revenue, as reported by CFO McHenry. -- Generated $5.6 billion in revenue, as reported by CFO McHenry. Adjusted net income -- Reported $105 million from continuing operations for the year. -- Reported $105 million from continuing operations for the year. Adjusted diluted EPS -- Delivered $8.49 for the year from continuing operations. -- Delivered $8.49 for the year from continuing operations. Used vehicle revenue growth (U.S.) -- Increased approximately 41% year over year on both as-reported and same-store basis, while used GPUs declined about 8% same-store due to higher acquisition costs. -- Increased approximately 41% year over year on both as-reported and same-store basis, while used GPUs declined about 8% same-store due to higher acquisition costs. F&I PRU growth (U.K.) -- Grew 13%, or $123, on a same-store basis, attributed to better product adoption. -- Grew 13%, or $123, on a same-store basis, attributed to better product adoption. Dealer acquisitions & dispositions -- Added dealerships expected to generate $40 million annual revenue and disposed of 13 dealerships with $775 million annualized revenue. -- Added dealerships expected to generate $40 million annual revenue and disposed of 13 dealerships with $775 million annualized revenue. Share repurchases -- Repur...
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News Meta Platforms Inc. ( META ) delivered a knockout fourth quarter report with revenue, profit, and a current quarter forecast that crushed the average analyst estimate, helping investors overlook the Mark Zuckerberg-led company's heavy spending budget as it transforms into an artificial intelligence behemoth. The company said that despite its substantial increase i...
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News Meta Platforms Inc. ( META ) delivered a knockout fourth quarter report with revenue, profit, and a current quarter forecast that crushed the average analyst estimate, helping investors overlook the Mark Zuckerberg-led company's heavy spending budget as it transforms into an artificial intelligence behemoth. The company said that despite its substantial increase in AI infrastructure investment, this year's operating income is still expected to be higher from 2025. Shares of the company rose as much as 11% but pared some gains and are currently up 7.5% in early open market trading on Thursday. Word on the Street Wedbush (rating "outperform," PT hiked by $20 to $900) "Sentiment has turned more constructive following the report, as the aggressive level of investment within the current cycle is already delivering healthy revenue upside versus expectations and signals a commitment towards longer-term strategic objectives," the research firm said. "Ongoing investments across the business, including the infusion of AI capabilities across the company's ad stack and content recommendation engines, are already driving tangible benefits for the core advertising segment. We are also encouraged by commentary around the rebalancing of resources within Reality Labs." Jefferies (rating "buy," PT raised by $90 to $1,000) believes Meta's strong AI-driven top-line reacceleration should continue to help validate ROI. "META gave multiple datapoints showing AI is driving core flywheel: video gen tools hitting a $10B run rate, IG Reels watch time +30% y/y from Q4 optimizations & model rollout driving a 24% increase in incremental conversions," Jefferies said in their flash commentary. Morgan Stanley (rating "overweight," PT raised by $75 to $825) "META's investments in engagement/monetization are leading to the fastest growth in 4+ years (when the business was half the size it is now). ROIC is on display with the LLM product pipeline set to bud in '26 for...